Artificial fireplace



W. M. JOY

ARTIFICIAL FIREPLACE May 20, 1969 Sheet ors Filed Oct. 15, 1965 May 20, 1969 w. M. JOY 3,444,637

ARTIFICIAL FIREPLACE Filed Oct. 15, 1965 Sheet 2 of s' F 1 I F" l 4 l fj4 g /j MA A I I A? 14 I A&

A III /////K///,/7\&/////// 74/ u u Z1 Z4 4 7 raw/V5044 y 1969 w. M. JOY

ARTIFICIAL FIREPLACE Filed Oct. 15,

Sheet 3 o'rs United States Patent 3,444,637 ARTIFICIAL FIREPLACE William M. Joy, 1615 N. River Road, St. Clair, Mich. 48079 Filed Oct. 15, 1965, Ser. No. 496,554 Int. 'Cl. G091? 13/34 US. Cl. 40106.53 24 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An artificial fireplace construction comprising a support structure in the form of a firebox or the like; means giving the visual appearance of fireplace fuel; a luminescent material at least partially covering the fuel appearing means and adapted to be activated by an ultraviolet light to provide the visual sensation that fuel is combusting, an ultraviolet light directed toward the luminous material, and means in the form of a rotatable baffle or the like for interrupting the transmission of light toward the luminous material whereby to give a flickering sensation.

This invention relates generally to artificial fireplaces and, more particularly, to a new and improved artificial fireplace construction in which fluorescent coated fuel and a source of ultraviolet light are utilized to provide the visual sensation of combusting fuel.

It is a general object of the present invention to provide a new and improved artificial fireplace construction.

It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide a new and improved artificial fireplace construction which utilizes fluorescent paints and/or dyes and a source of ultraviolet light to provide the visual sensation of combusting fuel.

It is still a more particular object of the present invention to provide a new and improved artificial fireplace construction of the above character wherein real fuel such as logs, coal, coke, or charcoal are coated with the fluorescent paints and/ or dyes.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved artificial fireplace construction of the above character which is adapted to be operatively associated with an electric heater or the like, in a manner such that the heat radiating from the heater appears to be emanating from the artificially illuminated ,fuel contained within the fireplace.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved artificial fireplace construction of the above character which may be operatively mounted within a conventioned fireplace structure or may be hung or similarly supported upon a vertically extending wall or the like.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved artificial fireplace construction of an extremely simple design which is easy to assemble and economical to commercially manufacture.

The aforementioned and other objects and advantages of the present invention are achieved through the provision of a novel artificial fireplace construction which comprises a shallow elongated fire-box which is adapted to be constructed of wood, sheet metal, or similar economical and easily workable materials. The firebox includes an inclined fuel support rack or tray that is adapted to support a quantity of typical fireplace fuel such as logs, coal, coke or charcoal. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the fuel that is supported upon the aforesaid tray is at least partially coated with a fluorescent paint or dye which, when exposed to an ultraviolet light that is operatively mounted at one end of the firebox, is adapted to provide the visual sensation that the fuel is actually burning or combusting.

Means in the form of a plurality of rotatable paddle wheels are disposed within the firebox and are adapted to interrupt the transmission of light between the ultraviolet light source and the fluorescent coated fuel whereby to give a flickering effect to the artificially combusting fuel.

The artificial fireplace construction of the present invention is adapted to find particularly useful application when mounted directly within a conventional fireplace structure and is designed to be operatively associated with a conventional electric heater in a manner such that the heat produced by the heater appears to be radiating from the artificially combusting fuel. The fireplace construction of the present invention is also adapted to be mounted upon a vertically extending wall or the like and thus will find universality of installation.

A more complete understanding of the present invention and other features and advantages thereof will be obtained from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is an elevated perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the artificial fireplace construction of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the fireplace construction illustrated in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a front elevational view of the fireplace construction of the present invention;

FIGURE 4 is a top elevational view, partially broken away, of the artificial fireplace construction of the present invention;

FIGURE 5 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is an elevated perspective view of the artificial fireplace construction of the present invention, as shown operatively mounted on a vertically extending wall or the like;

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the structure illustrated in FIGURE 6, taken along the line 77 thereof;

FIGURE 8 is a transverse cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGURE 9 is a transverse cross-sectional view of another alternate embodiment of the present invention.

Referring now to FIGURE 1, an artificial fireplace construction 10, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is shown as comprising a relatively shallow firebox structure 12 that includes a pair of laterally spaced parallel side members 14 and 16 which define a central cavity 18 therebetween. The front, bottom, and back, generally designated by the numerals 20, 22 and 24, respectively, together with a portion of the top of the cavity 18 are covered with a one-piece closure member 26 which is preferably constructed of relatively thin gauge sheet metal and is formed with a pair of right angle bends as seen at 28 and 30 in FIGURE 2, to conform with the shape of the side members 14 and 16. The side members 14 and 16 are preferably constructed of wood such as plywood or the like and are secured to the opposite sides of the closure member 26 by means of a plurality of screws, nails or the like, generally designated 32. The portion of the closure member 26 which partially encloses the top of the cavity 18 is formed with inclined sections 34- and 36 which define a laterally extending vertex 38 and conform with a pair of identical generally inverted V-shape portions 40 formed at the top of the forward or front ends of the side members 14 and 16. As best seen in FIGURE 2, the upper edges of the side members 14 and 16 incline upwardly toward the back or rear end of the fireplace construction 10, the rearmost portions of the side members 14 and 16 and hence the back portion 24 of the closure member 26 preferably being approximately the same height as the vertex 3S.

Disposed at the rear end of the cavity 18 is an inclined fuel supporting tray, generally designated by the numeral 42, which extends transversely between the inboard sides of the side members 14 and 16. The tray 42 also extends from a medical portion of the bottom section 22 of the closure member 26 to the top of the back section 24 thereof, the tray 42 preferably being constructed of sheet metal and being formed with a downwardly projecting lip portion 44 which is adapted to be hooked over the top of the back section 24 of the closure member 26. The tray 42 is formed with a pair of inclined sections 46 and 48 that are interconnected by a ledge portion 50' and the latter of which terminates at its upper end in the aforementioned lip 44. The lower end of the inclined portion 46 is formed with an upwardly extending support section 52 which, together with the ledge portion 50 and the inclined portions 46 and 48, is adapted to support the fuel which, during operation of the fireplace construction 10, appears to be burning or combusting, as will hereinafter be described.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the fireplace construction is adapted to contain real fuel such as logs, coal, coke or charcoal or other types of fuel that are commonly burned in stoves, fireplaces, etc., which fuel is in whole or in part coated with a luminous material, to wit: a material which, when exposed to the radiant energy of a short wavelength such as ultraviolet light or black light, becomes phosphorescent. Phosphoresence is used herein as connoting the property of emitting visible light when exposed to a source of ultraviolet or black light. Luminescence is used herein as connoting the property of materials which are capable of converting radiant energy of short wavelengths, such as ultraviolet or black light of Wavelengths of approximately 3,200 to 4,000 angstroms to visible light.

As best seen in FIGURES 1 and 2, the particular fuel which is illustrated herein comprises a multiplicity of charcoal briquettes that have a substantial portion of their exposed surfaces treated with a luminescent powder which may be applied as by dipping or brushing the individual briquettes. A coating of a lacquer or other suitable clear plastic-sealer may be applied to the fuel subsequent to the application of the aforementioned powder to prevent the powder from being inadvertently rubbed or brushed off the surfaces of the briquettes. It may be noted that this sealing process also precludes charcoal dust from coming off the briquettes during handling thereof. It will also be noted that although only carcoal fuel is illustrated herein, the above described procedure of applying luminescent powder and a sealing material may be applied to various other types of fuel, such as logs, coal, coke and the like.

After the fuel, for example, the charcoal briquettes, has been treated in the above-described manner, it may be arranged upon the tray 42 as illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2. The charcoal briquettes are adapted to be exposed to a source of ultraviolet or black light, whereby the luminescent powder that is placed on the briquettes will become activated and thereby provide the visual sensation that the briquettes are burning or combusting. Such a source of ultraviolet or black light is preferably provided herein by a conventional elongated cylindrical ultraviolet tube 56 and associated fixtures-58 and 60 which are mounted adjacent the inner side of the front portion 20 of the closure member 26 upon a pair of generally L-shaped support brackets 62 which comprise upwardly extending leg sections 64 that are attached to the front portion 20 and horizontally extending lower portions 66 that are attached to the lower sides of the fixtures 58 and 60. By way of example, one suitable ultraviolet light source is distributed by General Electric Corporation under the code number F, T8BGB, and has a rated power of 15 WattsCurrent may be supplied to the light 56 through any suitable receptacle cord (not shown) having a suitable plug for attachment to a con- 4 ventional outlet receptacle as is commonly found in commercial and residential electrical systems. It will be seen that upon energization of the light 56, ultraviolet light produced thereby will be directed toward the fuel supported upon the tray 42, whereby this fuel will provide the visual sensation that it is combusting or burning, as above described.

Means for making the artificially combusting fuel appear to flicker or flutter as is frequently the case when such fuel is, in fact, actually burning or combusting is provided by three paddle wheel assemblies 68, 70 and 72 which are arranged interjacent the ultraviolet light 56 and the tray 42 supporting the fuel within the fireplace construction 10, the paddle wheels 68, 70 and 72 serving to irregularly interrupt or block a portion of the ultraviolet light which is transmitted from the light 56 to the fuel supported on the tray 42. As best seen in FIGURE 4, the paddle wheel assemblies 68, 70 and 72 are rigidly mounted on an elongated shaft 74 which extends transversely between the inboard sides of the side members 14 and 16 substantially below the vertex 38 defined by the closure member portions 34 and 36. The shaft 74 is journal-supported at one end by a suitable bearing assembly 76 which is rigidly secured to the inboard side of the side member 14. The opposite end of the shaft 74 is supported by an electric motor assembly, generally designated 78, which is mounted on the inboard side of the side member'16. As best seen in FIGURE 5, each of the paddle wheel assemblies 68, 70 and 72 comprises a plurality of vanes or paddles, generally designated 80, which are equally circumferentially spaced around the shaft 74 and extend radially outwardly therefrom. In a preferred construction of the present invention, the paddles 80 of each of the assemblies 68, 70 and 72 are preferably radially offset from the paddles 80 of each of the other assemblies to assure that the transmission of ultraviolet light from the light 56 to the fuel supported on the tray 42 is irregularly blocked or interrupted. As seen in FIGURE 4, a suitable on-off toggle switch 82 or the like is preferably mounted on the exterior side of the side member 16 and serves to concurrently energize and deenergize the motor assembly 78 and ultraviolet light 56.

As best seen in FIGURE 3, the fireplace construction 10 may be operatively mounted within a conventional fireplace structure 84 comprising ahearth portion 86 and a pair of spaced andiron members 88 and 90, the fireplace construction 10 preferably being supported at a position spaced somewhat above the hearth portion 86 of the fireplace structure 84 by being mounted on the rearwardly extending sections 92 and 94 of the andiron members 88 and Q0, respectively, as best seen in FIGURES 1 and 3. It is possible, when the fireplace construction 10 is thus supported, to place an electric or gas heating unit of any suitable type directly to the rear of the fireplace construction 10, such a heating unit being designated by the numeral 96 and having the outlet or grille portion thereof, herein designated 98, disposed below the bottom of the fireplace construction 10. With such an arrangement, the air heated by the unit 96 will emanate from beneath the fireplace construction 10 so that upon concurrent operation of the fireplace 10 and the heater unit 96, the fireplace 10 will appear to be providing a source of warm air, along with the visual sensation of burning or combusting fuel.

To further provide a realistic eifect to the artificial fireplace construction 10 of the present invention, it may be possible to provide a bed of artificial ashes directly below the firebox 12. By way of example, such a bed of ashes may be provided by placing a mass of a fibrous material such as asbestos, vermiculite, or the like, herein designated by the numeral 100, on-a platform or base 102 which may be constructed of wood, cardboard or the like. A quantity of the luminous powder which is applied to the fuel may then be sprinkled over the mass of fibrous materials, this entire assemblage being coated with a suitable lacquer or clear sealant material to positively aflix these materials to the top of the platform 102. A plurality of spaced apart apertures or openings, generally designated 104, are provided in the bottom portion 22 of the closure member 26 substantially below the ultraviolet light 56, the openings 104 serving to communicate the light 56 to the fibrous mass on the platform 102 and, in particular, to the luminescent powder distributed thereon. When the platform 102 is placed beneath the fireplace construction in the position illustrated in FIG- URE 2, the ultraviolet light will be transmitted through the openings 104 and thus activate the luminescent powder to give the impression that a bed of ashes containing glowing coals from the fireplace 10 has collected or accumulated therebelow.

Referring now to FIGURE 6, with only a slight modification in the structure thereof, the fireplace construction 10 may be mounted upon a vertically extending wall or the like and thus be adapted for use in houses and the like which do not have natural fireplace structures such as the aforementioned structure 84. In the event that it is desired that the fireplace construction 10 be mounted on a wall or the like, it is merely necessary to attach a generally L-shaped fuel supporting flange member, generally designated 106, along the upper edge of the back portion 24 of the closure member 26. As best seen in FIGURE 7, the flange member 106 comprises an upwardly extending portion 108 and a generally horizontally extending portion 110 that is adapted tobe secured to the back portion 24 which, when the fireplace construction 10 is vertically mounted, becomes the bottom or lower end thereof. The portion 110 of the flange member 106 is preferably secured to the portion 24 of the closure member 26 by suitable screws, ,bolts or the like 112. The flange member 106, together with being adapted to retain fuel upon the support tray 42 when the fireplace construction 10 is vertically oriented, is adapted to secure the tray 42 is its operative position with the cavity 18. It will be apparent, of course, that any conventional means may be provided to facilitate attachment of the fireplace construction 10 to a wall or the like, which means might comprise a suitable bolt, support bracket or the like (not shown).

Referring now to FIGURE 8, in a slightly modified embodiment of the present invention, a fireplace construction 114 is shown as comprising a generally rectangular shaped, open top firebox structure 116 including front and rear side wall sections 118 and 120 and a bottom section 122. The fireplace construction 114 is provided with a generally arcuate shaped fireplace fuel supporting tray 124 which is preferably constructed of a transparent material such as Plexiglas or the like and is formed at one end with a downwardly extending flange section 126 that is adapted to be hooked over the top of the rear section 120 of the firebox 116. The opposite or front end of the tray 124 is also formed with a flange portion 128 that is adapted to bear upon the bottom section 122 of the firebox 116, the flange sections 126 and 128 thereby supporting the tray 124 in the position illustrated in FIGURE 8.

A source of ultraviolet light 130, which is preferably of the same construction as the hereinbefore discussed light 56 in the fire place construction 10, is mounted upon the bottom section 122 of the firebox 116 by conventional fixtures, one of which is illustrated and designated by the numeral 132.

One or more paddle wheel assemblies 134 of the same general construction as the aforedescribed assemblies 68, 70 and 72 is mounted on a transversely extending shaft 136 that is mounted above and forwardly of the light source 130. The shaft 136 may be operatively connected to a suitable motor or the like (not shown) such as the motor 78 for selectively rotating the shaft 136 and paddle wheel assembly 134 to irregularly block the transmission of light between the source 130 and fuel supported upon 6 the tray 124, thus giving a flickering effect to the fireplace construction 114, as hereinabove described.

The tray 124 is shown as supporting a convention fireplace fuel such as charcoal briquettes or the like, which fuel is at least partially coated with a luminescent material adapted to be activated upon energization of the ultraviolet light source 130, as above described.

In operation of the fireplace construction 114, the light source 130 is initially energized, whereby ultraviolet light is transmitted through the transparent fuel supporting tray 124 to activate the luminescent material which has been coated on the fireplace fuel supported on the tray 124, thus activating the luminescent material to provide the visual sensation that the fuel is combusting. If desired, the motor assembly (not shown) associated with the shaft 136 may simultaneously be energized to rotate the shaft 136 and paddle wheel assembly 134, whereby to irregularly interrupt the transmission of light between the source 130 and the luminescent material on the fireplace fuel to give a flickering effect to the artificially combusting fuel.

Referring now to FIGURE 9, a slightly modified embodiment of the fireplace construction shown in FIG- URE 8 is generally designated by the numeral 114a and comprises a firebox 116a having side sections 118a and a and a bottom section 122a. The construction 114a also includes a light source a, fixture 132a and paddle wheel assembly 134a that is mounted on a shaft 136a, all of which members correspond to the analogous parts designated by like numerals in the aforedescribed fireplace construction 114. Also, these members are identical in function and construction to their analogous members in the construction 11 4, with the exception that the firebox 114a is adapted to support a tray or platform 138 which is of the same general conformation as the aforementioned tray 124 but which is formed with a multiplicity of irregularly shaped raised and depressed portions which are adapted to simulate real fireplace fuel such as coal, coke, charcoal or the like. The tray 138 may be of any suitable construction such as a translucent or transparent cellulose or fibrous material; however, the tray 138 is preferably constructed of a transparent or translucent plastic material that is molded into the above described fuel simulating configuration as by vacuum molding or other suitable technique. The upper surface of the tray 138 may be painted various appropriate colors to further simulate the appearance of fuel within the firebox 116a. The lower side of the tray 138 is covered with randomly oriented quantities of luminescent materials such as the luminescent powder placed on the charcoal briquettes in the fireplace construction 10 in a manner such that upon energization of the light source 130a, the tray 138 will give the appearance that fireplace fuel is combusting.

In operation of the fireplace construction 114a, the light source 130a is initially energized, whereby ultraviolet light will be directed toward the luminescent material on the tray 138, thus providing the visual sensation that fuel is combusting, as above described. If desired, the paddle wheel assembly 134a may be concurrently rotated by a suitable motor assembly or the like (not shown) to irregularly interrupt the transmission of light between the source 130a and tray 138 and thus give a flickering effect to the artificially combusting fuel, as above described.

It will be seen from the foregoing that the present invention provides a novel artificial fireplace construction which is adapted to provide a particularly realistic visual sensation of combusting fuel by virtue of the fact that real and simulated fireplace fuel is utilized. It will also be noted that the fireplace construction of the present invention is of an extremely simple design and is thus easy to assemble and economical to manufacture. In the event that it is desired to enhance the outward appearance of the firebox 12, it may be possible to attach various medallions and/or indicia indicated at 140 in FIGURE 3 to the front portion 20 of the closure member 26. Also, it may be possible to attach a pair of decorative strips of metal such as copper 7 or brass along the front and top surfaces of the side members 14 and 16 of the firebox 12, as indicated by the strips 144 and 146 in FIGURE 1.

While it will be apparent that the embodiments herein illustrated are well calculated to fulfill the objects above stated, it will be appreciated that the artificial fireplace construction of the present invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the subjoined claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In an artificial fireplace construction,

means for providing the visual sensation of combusting fuel,

said last mentioned means comprising means having the appearance of fireplace fuel and at least partially coated with an ultraviolet light activatable luminescent material, and a source of ultraviolet light in light transmitting relation with said fuel appearing means.

2. The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein said last mentioned means includes means for continuously, irregularly interrupting the transmission of ultraviolet light from said light source to said fuel.

3. In an artificial fireplace construction,

means defining a support structure,

means in the form of fireplace fuel in said structure,

an ultraviolet light source in said structure, and

means on said fuel responsive ultraviolet light from said source to change said ultraviolet light to a visible source and thereby provide the visual sensation that the fuel is combusting.

4. In an artificial fireplace construction,

means defining a support structure,

means having the appearance of fireplace fuel disposed in said structure,

said last mentioned means being at least partially covered with a luminescent material, and

ultraviolet light means arranged in light transmitting relation with said fuel appearing means for activating said luminescent material whereby to provide the visual sensation that fuel is combusting.

5. The invention as set forth in claim 4 wherein the luminescent material comprises a fluorescent powder.

6. In an artificial fireplace construction,

means defining a support structure,

fireplace fuel disposed in one end of said structure,

an ultraviolet light at the opposite end of said structure and arranged in light transmitting relation with respect to said fuel, and

a luminescent material at least partially covering said fuel and adapted to be activated by said light to provide the visual sensation that the fuel is combusting.

7. The invention as set forth in claim 6 which includes means for interrupting the transmission of light between said ultraviolet light and said luminous material on said fuel.

8. In an artificial fireplace construction,

means defining a firebox, and

means disposed Within said firebox for providing the visual sensation of combusting fuel,

said last mentioned means comprising a source of ultraviolet light, fireplace fuel and ultraviolet light activatable luminescent material covering said fuel.

9. In an artificial fireplace construction,

means defining a relatively shallow firebox,

fireplace fuel appearing means disposed at one end of said firebox,

an ultraviolet light disposed at the opposite end of said firebox, and

means including a luminescent material covering at least a portion of said fuel appearing means and adapted to change said ultraviolet light to a visible source and thereby provide the visual sensation that the fuel is combusting.

10. The invention as set forth in claim 9 which includes a plurality of paddle wheels rotatably mounted within 8 said firebox for irregularly blocking the transmission of light between said ultraviolet light and said fuel.

11. In combination in an artificial fireplace construction,

means defining a support structure,

means for providing the visual sensation of combusting fuel,

said last mentioned means comprising means having the appearance of and at least partially coated with an ultraviolet light activatable luminescent material and a source of ultraviolet light in light transmitting relation with said fuel appearing means, and

heating means adjacent said structure for producing a source of warm air.

12. In an artificial fireplace construction,

means defining a support structure,

fireplace fuel disposed at one end of said structure,

a source of ultraviolet light spaced from the fuel and directed thereagainst,

a luminescent material at least partially covering said fuel, said material being responsive to said ultraviolet light for changing the same to a visible light, and

means for providing a source of warm air located adjacent said structure.

13. In an artificial fireplace construction,

a firebox comprising a pair of spaced parallel side members and closure means extending between said side members and defining an open ended cavity therebetween,

means for supporting fuel within said cavity,

a quantity of fireplace fuel supported on said last mentioned means,

an ultraviolet light within said cavity, and

means including a luminescent material at least partially covering said fuel and adapted to be activated by said light for producing the visual sensation that the fuel is combusting.

14. The invention as set forth in claim 13 wherein said means for supporting fuel within said cavity comprises a transparent tray.

15. The invention as set forth in claim 13 which includes a plurality of paddle wheels rotatably mounted within said cavity interjacent said ultraviolet light and said fuel for interrupting the transmission light between said light and said luminescent material.

16. In an artificial fireplace construction,

a firebox comprising a pair of spaced parallel side members and a closure member extending between said side members and comprising a back portion, bottom portion, front portion and cover portion,

an inclined fuel supporting tray extending between said back portion and said bottom portion,

a quantity of fireplace fuel mounted on said tray,

an ultraviolet light disposed beneath said cover portion and arranged in light transmitting relation with said fuel on said tray,

a sbhaft extending transversely between said side memers,

a plurality of paddle members mounted on said shaft for irregularly interrupting the transmission of light between said ultraviolet light and said fuel,

means including power-operated means for rotating said shaft and said paddle members, and

means including luminescent powder at least partially covering said fuel and adapted to be activated by said ultraviolet light for providing the visual sensation that the fuel is combusting.

17. The invetnion as set forth in claim 16 wherein said bottom portion of said closure member is formed with a plurality of openings and wherein said fireplace construction includes fluorescent and fibrous material disposed subjacent said firebox and aligned with said openings, Whereby said ultraviolet light will be directed through said open ings onto said fluorescent material to provide the visual sensation of glowing coals beneath said firebox.

18. The invention as set forth in claim 16 wherein said bottom portion of said closure member is formed with a plurality of apertures for communicating ultraviolet light to a position below said firebox, and wherein said fireplace construction is provided with means in the form of a mass of fibrous and luminescent material located at said position for providing the visual sensation of burning coals below said firebox.

19. The invention as set forth in claim 17 wherein said inclined fuel supporting tray is constructed of a transparent material and wherein said ultraviolet light is disposed beneath said tray.

20. In an artificial fireplace construction,

a firebox comprising a pair of spaced parallel side members and closure means extending between said side members and defining an open ended cavity therebetween,

means defining a transluscent fuel simulating material supported within said firebox,

a source of ultraviolet light disposed within said firebox below said last mentioned means,

means including luminescent material at least partially covering one side of the said last mentioned means adapted to change said ultraviolet light to a visible source and thereby produce the visual sensation that fuel is combusting, and

means including a plurality of rotatable paddle wheels interjacent said light and luminescent material for irregularly blocking the transmission of light therebetween.

21. In an artificial fireplace construction,

means defining a substantially hollow firebox,

a fuel simulating material mounted on said firebox,

a source of ultraviolet light disposed within said firebox,

and

a luminescent material at least partially covering said fuel simulating material and adapted to be activated by said light source for producing the visual sensation that fuel is combusting.

22. The invention as set forth in claim 21 wherein said fuel simulating material is transluscent.

23. The invention as set forth in claim 21 wherein said fuel simulating material is plastic.

24. In an artificial fireplace construction,

means including a transluscent plastic material defining artificial fireplace fuel,

a source of ultraviolet light disposed adjacent said fuel simulating material,

an ultraviolet light activatable luminescent material at least partially covering a portion of said simulating material facing said light source, and

means for selectively blocking the transmission of ultraviolet light from said source to said luminescent material.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,258,590 3/1918 Meyer 40--134 1,336,500 4/1920 Berry 40106.54 2,196,424 4/1940 Musaphig 40106.52 2,984,032 5/1961 Cornell 40106.52

RICHARD CARTER, Assistant Examiner.

EUGENE CAPOZIO, Primary Examiner. 

